Fly-half Farrell said: “There is nobody cemented in this England team. There will definitely be pressure from the new boys coming in.

"It is about everyone putting their best foot forward."

(Photo: Getty)

He acknowledges that Ford has the talent to make his life difficult - but is adamant he will not move into midfield so that England can field both men together, as they did in the Junior World Cup in 2011.

“I was playing 12 then, that was my position,” said Farrell in a BT Sport interview.

“I’m not changing my game to suit a different position, otherwise I will end up being an average centre because I’ve not played there enough.